Real estate-backed PAC spends megabucks to sway Council contests

A political action committee called Jobs for New York has already paid out more than $1.3 million to influence 17 City Council races this election cycle. And with more than $6 million still in its coffers, the collection of developers, property owners and construction giants appears set to continue flexing its muscle this primary season.

A political action committee with ties to powerful real estate interests is using big money to sway City Council races, according to some candidates.

The group, known as Jobs for New York, has paid out more than $1.3 million to influence 17 local races this election cycle.

And with more than $6 million still in its coffers, the collection of developers, property owners and construction giants headed by mega builder Rob Speyer and Real Estate Board of New York President Steven Spinola appears set to continue flexing its muscle this primary season.

“It’s disgusting that this is happening,” said Jaron Benjamin, executive dirctor of the Met Council on Housing. “The money is a corrupting influence on anyone who is running for office.”

Political action committees are permitted to spend unlimited funds on behalf of a candidate, so long as there there is no coordinated effort between the PAC and the candidate’s campaign.

Ever since the Supreme Court rewrote the rules for campaign donations with its Citizens United ruling, in 2010, such political groups have exerted an increased influence on races across the country.

Still, the spending that’s on display this year marks a first for New York City Council contests and other local races.

Critics contend it’s just a way for developers to grease the wheels for future real-estate deals.

Jobs for New York, which has endorsed 17 candidates citywide, also has the backing of several development-minded construction unions.

Bronx Assemblywoman Vanessa Gibson, running to replace term-limited Helen Foster (D-Morrisania), has benefited from $123,000 spent in her behalf by Jobs for New York. The PAC is allowed to spend as much as it chooses, so long as it does not coordinate its effort with a candidate's campaign.

(Alfred Giancarli for Daily News)

“For her to not denounce it, it gives me pause,” Benjamin said of Gibson — whose race has benefited from $123,000 spent in her behalf by Jobs for New York, well more than the $78,000 she raised in private donations, according to the Campaign Finance Board.

Gibson’s campaign staff did not respond to two requests for a comment.

In Queens, the real estate money has revved up the race to succeed disgraced Republican Dan Halloran in Whitestone.

“Big-money developers are trying to take over our neighborhoods,” charged candidate Austin Shafran.

Jobs for New York has spent $113,000 in support of Shafran’s well-connected rival, Paul Vallone.

Vallone spokesman Austin Finan said the lawyer has run an “inclusive, independent campaign.”

“The talk about outside spending — something which candidates have absolutely no control over — is merely a distraction from the issues that matter to everyday folks,” he added.

Other candidates have found it harder to ignore the critics.

Two Brooklyn City Hall hopefuls have made the move to distance themselves from the PAC since they started catching some heat from locals.

Laurie Cumbo, who’s looking to replace term-limited Brooklyn City Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Crown Heights), swore off the group last month, but only after it had poured $80,000 into campaign literature for her bid.

(Xanthos Julia Freelance NYDN/Xanthos Julia Freelance NYDN)

Laurie Cumbo, who’s looking to replace term-limited Brooklyn City Councilwoman Letitia James (D-Crown Heights), swore off the group last month, but only after it had poured $80,000 into campaign literature for her bid.

The developers’ also rolled their dough in support of Council candidate Kirsten John Foy, who is looking to replace Councilman Al Vann (D-Bedford-Stuyvesant).

On Wednesday, Foy formally cut ties with the PAC, which has doled out $36,000 in support of his run.

“Jobs for New York does not represent me, or my campaign,” he said. “As an independent expenditure, I have no responsibility, no approval, nor any consultation or participation in any of (the PAC’s) activities or materials.”

A representative for Jobs for New York declined to comment, even as tenants rights group continued blasting the group.

Michael McKee, the treasurer of Tenants PAC, said that his group will not endorse any candidate who doesn’t publicly denounce the spending of the real estate-backed juggernaut.

“Jobs for New York PAC doesn’t have anything to do with jobs, except construction jobs,” said McKee, whose group makes no financial contributions.

“It’s a front for a group for millionaire developers who are exploiting loopholes in our campaign finance laws.”